Composition which contain hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D3

ABSTRACT

Novel combination preparations containing 1α,25-dihydroxy vitamin D 3  or 1α-hydroxy vitamin D 3  and 1α,24,25(or 1α,25,26)-trihydroxy vitamin D 3  are described. These preparations are useful in the treatment of various disorders which are characterized by disturbances of the calcium and phosphate metabolism such as osteoporosis and can also be used in animal nutrition.

This application is a continuation of application Serial No. 06/880,620, filed June 25, 1986, abandoned.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is concerned with novel pharmaceutical preparations or compositions which contain hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D as active substances. In particular, the invention is concerned with pharmaceutical preparations or compositions containing 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂ D₃) in admixture with 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (1,24,25(OH)₃ D₃) or 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (1,25,26(OH)₃ D₃) or 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (25,26(OH)₂ D₃) or 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 24,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (24,25(OH)₂ D₃); or 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and pharmaceutical preparations or compositions containing 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ (1(OH)D₃) in admixture with 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ or 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; as well as usual inert pharmaceutical adjuvants or carrier materials.

Furthermore, the invention is concerned with feedstuffs and feedstuff additives which contain the above-mentioned active substance mixtures and with the use of these active substance mixtures for the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations, feedstuffs and feedstuff additives.

The preparations in accordance with the invention are suitable for increasing the intestinal calcium transport, the calcium and phosphate level in the serum, as well as the deposition of these minerals in the bones. These preparations can accordingly be used for the treatment of illnesses which are characterized by metabolic calcium and phosphate deficiency conditions, especially those in which the concentration of endogenously-produced 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ lies below the normal value.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is concerned with novel pharmaceutical preparations or compositions which contain hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D as active substances. In particular, the invention is concerned with pharmaceutical preparations or compositions containing 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂ D₃) in admixture with 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (1,24,25(OH)₃ D₃) or 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (1,25,26(OH)₃ D₃) or 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (25,26(OH)₂ D₃) or 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 24,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ (24,25(OH)₂ D₃); or 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and pharmaceutical preparations or compositions containing 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ (1(OH)D₃) in admixture with 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ or 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; as well as usual inert pharmaceutical adjuvants or carrier materials.

The invention accordingly embraces the following active substance combinations

    1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3

    1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +1,25,26(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3

    1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +25,26(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3

    1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +24,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3

    1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +25,26(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +1,25,26(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3

    1(OH)D.sub.3 +1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3

    1(OH)D.sub.3 +1,25,26(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3.

Furthermore, the invention is concerned with feedstuffs and feedstuff additives which contain the above-mentioned active substance mixtures and with the use of these active substance mixtures for the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations, feedstuffs and feedstuff additives.

It is known that hydroxylated vitamin D derivatives such as 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃, 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ can be used for the treatment of illnesses which are based on a deficiency of vitamin D or of its pharmacologically active metabolites. It has surprisingly been found that the administration of the active substance in accordance with the invention brings about therapeutic advantages compared with the administration of the individual substances. In a preferred embodiment the invention is concerned with pharmaceutical preparations containing 1,24,25(OH)₃ D₃ or 1,25,26(OH)₃ D₃ in admixture with 1,25(OH)₂ D₃. The combination of 1,24,25(OH)₃ D₃ with 1(OH)D₃ is also preferred. 1α,24,25-Trihydroxy-vitamin D₃, preferably the 24R-epimer, and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ intensify the activity of 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ in concentrations in which they alone are much less active. This synergistic effect is preserved even in the case of disorders of 1α-hydroxylation in the kidneys. The calcium mobilization from the bones declines upon administering an active substance combination in accordance with the invention, while simultaneously the mineralization of the bones increases. By the combined administration of 1α,24,25(or 1α,25,26)-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ with 1α-hydroxy- or 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ the last-named compounds can be administered in lower dosages than when they are administered alone, whereby toxic side effects are avoided or reduced. The relative proportions of the active substances in the preparations in accordance with the invention is not critical in a narrow range. Conveniently, the weight ratio of 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ to 1α-hydroxy- or 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ amounts to about 5:1 to about 1:5. A weight ratio of about 1:1 is preferred. The weight ratio of 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ to 1,25,26(OH)₃ D₃ can lie between 1:2 and 1:50, it is preferably 1:10. The weight ratio of 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ to 24,25(OH)₂ D₃ or 25,26(OH)₂ D₃ can amount to 1:2 to 1:20, it is preferably 1:10. The efficacy of the active substance combinations in accordance with the invention is evident from the test results when are presented hereinafter.

I. VITAMIN D TEST ON GROWING CHICKENS (a) Curative Test

The preparations were administered to male chicks with the feed. In a pre-period the animals received a rachitogeneous vitamin D-free feed during 8 days. In the subsequent test period the animals received the same feed with the addition of the active substances for a period of 6 days. The bone analysis was carried out with the right tarsus (phalanges I and II of the middle toe). The dry weight of the bones was determined after boiling with water for 20 minutes, removing soft constituents, tendons and cartilage and drying at 100° C.

(b) Prophylactic Test

The test was carried out as described under (a), but the active substances were administered from the first day of life for a period of 21 days.

Calcium-binding protein (CaBP) was obtained from mucous membrane homogenates of the duodenum according to Corradino et al., Science 172, 731-3 (1971); the determination was carried out according to Wasserman et al. Science 152, 791-3 (1966) by adding ⁴⁵ Ca in the presence of a cation exchanger and determining the percentage of ⁴⁵ Ca present in the protein solution based on the total activity per mg of protein (specific activity of the CaBP). The activity of the alkaline phosphatase in the serum was determined according to Bergmeyer, Methoden der enzymatischen Analyze, Vol. 1, 3rd Edition, pp. 888-892.

The results of this test are compiled in Tables 1 to 3. The vitamin D activity shows itself in the increase in the CaBP activity and in the amount of bone ash and in the decrease in the alkaline phosphatase activity. The values ascertained show that an active substance combination in accordance with the invention exerts a more than additive activity compared with the individually administered components.

In a further series of tests with chicks the 1α-hydroxylase of the kidneys was inhibited according to Rambeck et al., Internat. J. Vit. Nutr. Res. 54, 25-34 (1984) by adding strontium to the feed. The test values given in Table 4 show that the synergistic effect of an active substance combination in accordance with the invention is observed even in the case of interfering kidney hydroxylation.

II. BONE CALCIUM MOBILIZATION IN CHICKENS

Chickens received a calcium-free diet during one week. Thereafter, the test substances were administered intravenously in 0.1 ml of 75% ethanol. 12 hours thereafter the Ca values in the serum were determined. The results presented in Table 5 show that the Ca mobilization from the bones upon administering an active substance combination in accordance with the invention is not greater than with the administration of the components alone.

III. QUAIL EGGSHELL TEST

This test determines the vitamin D activity on the basis of the Ca elimination of the animal by means of the eggshell. The test was carried out as described by Zucker et al., Naturwiss. 55, 447-455 (1968). The results presented in Table 6 likewise show a more than additive effect of an active substance combination in accordance with the invention.

IV. CURATIVE VITAMIN D TEST ON RATS

This test determines the vitamin D activity on the degree of calcification of the epiphysical cartilage of the tibia as described by Weiser in "Dar Tier im Experiment". Editor Wolf H. Weihe, Publisher Hans Huber, Bern-Stuttgart-Wien, 1978, 1,24(OH)₂ D₃ or/and 1,24,25(OH)₃ D₃ dissolved in ethanol/propylene glycol (1:10) was/were administered daily during 7 days with a probang to in each case 16 animals per group. One day later X-ray photographs were prepared and the calcification of the epiphysial cartilage was classified on the basis of the 12-point scale. A synergistic effect was achieved with an active substance combination in accordance with the invention in this test procedure (Table 7).

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Vitamin D test on growing chickens.                                            (a) Curative chick test, 11 animals/group                                      Combination of 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 and 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                              Alk. phos-                                              CaBP       % Bone ash  phatase                                      Addition to diet                                                                          (specific  of dried weight                                                                            (pooled)                                     per kg     activity)  (pooled)    [units]                                      ______________________________________                                         (Neg. control)                                                                            1.87 ± 0.40                                                                            25.7        17 276                                       1.5 μg  3.69 ± 1.58                                                                            28.8        14 788                                       1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                         1.5 μg  1.75 ± 0.36                                                                            26.3        15 293                                       1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                      3.0 μg  2.31 ± 0.40                                                                            26.7        15 360                                       1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                      1.5 μg  6.39 ± 1.49                                                                            30.2        --                                           1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +                                                       1.5 μg                                                                      1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                      1.5 μg  6.69 ± 1.27                                                                            31.0        11 293                                       1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +                                                       3.0 μg                                                                      1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                      ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE 2                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Vitamin D test on growing chickens                                             (b) Prophylactic test, 10 animals/group                                        Combination of 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 and 25,26(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 or           1,25,26(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                                    % Bone ash      Ca in                                                     CaBP of dry Alk. phosphatase                                                                        serum                                                                              Weight                                       Addition to diet                                                                        (specific                                                                           weight (pooled) [mg/                                                                               gain                                         per kg   activity)                                                                           (pooled)                                                                              [units]  100 ml]                                                                            [g]                                          __________________________________________________________________________     (negative control)                                                                      1.0  22.9   23 615   5.91                                                                               161                                          8 μg vitamin D.sub.3                                                                 5.1  33.5   10 589   8.24                                                                               417                                          0.5 μg                                                                               1.5  25.8   21 633   6.17                                                                               262                                          1,25(OH.sub.2)D.sub.3                                                          1.0 μg                                                                               2.0  30.3   14 296   7.05                                                                               365                                          1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                         5 μg  1.6  25.8   17 220   7.21                                                                               254                                          1,25,26(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                      15 μg 3.2  35.0   14 245   8.79                                                                               378                                          1,25,26(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                      5 μg  1.6  24.2   17 473   6.73                                                                               260                                          25,26(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                        15 μg 1.9  26.7   25 339   6.18                                                                               244                                          25,26(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                        0.5 μg                                                                               2.7  30.9   19 137   7.98                                                                               371                                          1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +                                                       5 μg                                                                        1,25,26(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                      0.5 μg                                                                               2.4  27.1   15 783   6.35                                                                               297                                          1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +                                                       5 μg                                                                        25,26(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                        0.5 μg                                                                               2.1  28.3   16 641   7.22                                                                               337                                          1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +                                                       15 μg                                                                       25,26(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                        0.5 μg                                                                               4.5  35.4   6 026    9.50                                                                               410                                          1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +                                                       15 μg                                                                       1,25,26(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                      __________________________________________________________________________

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         Vitamin D test on growing chickens.                                            (Curative chick test), 11 animals/group                                        Combination of 1(OH)D.sub.3 and 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                     CaBP                                                                           (specific  % Bone ash of dry                                    Addition to diet per kg                                                                       activity)  weight (pooled)                                      ______________________________________                                         (Neg. control) 1.43 ± 0.46                                                                            27.9                                                 1.0 μg 1(OH)D.sub.3                                                                        1.50 ± 0.44                                                                            29.2                                                 1.5 μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                           1.68 ± 0.35                                                                            28.8                                                 1.0 μg 1(OH)D.sub.3 +                                                                      2.97 ± 0.75                                                                            31.0                                                 1.5 μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                            ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         Vitamin D test on growing chickens                                             (Curative chick test) 1α-hydroxylation inhibited by                      strontium, 10 animals/group                                                    Combination of 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 and 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                            CaBP                                                                           (specific                                                                               % Bone ash of dry                                     Addition to diet per kg                                                                        activity)                                                                               weight (pooled)                                       ______________________________________                                         (Neg. control)  1.54     20.1                                                  3 μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                                 3.31     21.2                                                  3 μ1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                                1.57     19.6                                                  3 μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +                                                               4.65     22.3                                                  3 μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                              ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                         Bone calcium mobilization in chickens.                                         (1 week calcium-free diet)                                                                       mg Ca/100 ml serum                                           i.v. dose         after 12 hours                                               ______________________________________                                         (Neg. control)    4.6                                                          0.013  μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                                  4.8                                                      0.025  μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                                  5.0                                                      0.05   μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                                  5.3                                                      0.125  μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                                  5.5                                                      0.25   μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                                  5.9                                                      1.25   μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                                  6.5                                                      2.50   μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                                  7.4                                                      0.05   μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                               5.4                                                      0.25   μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                               5.7                                                      1.25   μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                               6.3                                                      0.05   μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3 +                                                             5.4                                                      0.25   μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                            0.25   μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3 +                                                             5.8                                                      0.25   μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                            1.25   μ1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3 +                                                               6.4                                                      0.25   μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                            ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 6                                                          ______________________________________                                         Eggshell test on the Japanese quail                                            12 animals/group, combination of 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 and                    1,24,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                                      Eggshell dry weight in mg                                      Addition to diet per kg                                                                        per animal and day                                             ______________________________________                                         (Neg. control)   56                                                            2.0 μg vitamin D.sub.3                                                                       87                                                            3.5 μg vitamin D.sub.3                                                                      309                                                            5.0 μg vitamin D.sub.3                                                                      563                                                            0.27 μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                               91                                                            5.63 μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                           126                                                            0.27 μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 +                                                            271                                                            5.63 μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                           ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 7                                                          ______________________________________                                         Curative vitamin D test on rats                                                (X-ray test), 16 animals/group)                                                Combination of 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 and 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                              Calcification of the                                                           epiphysial cartilage                                                           (scoring-values ± SEM                                     Dosage per animal and day                                                                        after 7 days)                                                ______________________________________                                         Negative control  0                                                            0.0203 μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3                                                              4.4 ± 0.21                                                0.0105 μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                           1.8 ± 0.21                                                0.0210 μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                                           3.7 ± 0.18                                                0.0203 μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 plus                                                         7.8 ± 0.32                                                0.0105 μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                         0.0203 μg 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 plus                                                         9.8 ± 0.21                                                0.0210 μg 1,24,25(OH).sub.3 D.sub.3                                         ______________________________________                                    

The preparations in accordance with the invention are suitable for increasing the intestinal calcium transport, the calcium and phosphate level in the serum, as well as the deposition of these minerals in the bones. These preparations can accordingly be used for the treatment of illnesses which are characterized by metabolic calcium and phosphate deficiency conditions, especially those in which the concentration of endogenously-produced 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ lies below the normal value. Treatment of illnesses characterized by metabolic calcium and phosphate deficiency conditions comprises administering an effective amount of a mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D in accordance with the invention to a warm-blooded animal in need of such treatment. Examples of such illnesses are osteomalacia, osteoporosis, rachitis, osteitis fibrosa cystica, renal osteodystrophia, osteosclerosis, convulsions, osteopenia, fibrogenesis imperfecta ossium, secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, cirrhosis, obstructive jaundice, medullary carcinoma, chronic renal illnesses, hypophosphatamic vitamin D-resistant rachitis, vitamin D-dependent rachitis, sarcoidosis, glucocorticoid antagonism, misabsorption syndrome, steatorrhea, tropical sprue, idiopathic hypercalcaemia and milk fever. Furthermore, the preparations can be used e.g. as feed additives for the prevention of thin-shelled eggs, especially hen and turkey eggs, and for the treatment or prevention of bone black in poultry.

The preparations in accordance with the invention can be administered to humans in daily dosages of about 0.01-1, preferably 0.05-0.2, microgram in the case of the above-named illnesses. The preparations in accordance with the invention can be administered orally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intravenously, intraperitoneally or topically. Examples of pharmaceutical preparations are tablets, capsules or elixirs for oral administration and sterile solutions or suspensions for parenteral administration. These pharmaceutical preparations can contain the following adjuvants: binding agents such as gum tragacanth, acacia, maize starch or gelatin; excipients such as calcium phosphate; disintegrating agents such as maize starch, potato starch or alginic acid; glidants such as magnesium stearate, sweeteners such as sucrose, lactose or saccharin; flavoring agents such as peppermint, wintergreen or oil of sherry. Other materials such as coatings for modifying the appearance of the preparations can also be used. Tablets can be coated e.g. with shellac and/or sugar. A syrup or elixir can contain the active substances, sucrose as the sweetener, methylparaben and propylparaben as preserving agents, coloring substances and flavoring substances such as cherry or orange flavors.

For the treatment of milk fever in pregnant ruminants there come into consideration dosages of 0.05-1.5 mg/day, based on 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ or 1(OH)D₃, in the usual forms of administration. In the case of administration to poultry there come into consideration dosages of 0.025-2.5 μg/kg feed, based on 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ or 1(OH)D₃, or correspondingly adapted amounts in the drink.

Sterile preparations for injection and/or for topical administration can be manufactured in the usual manner by dissolving or suspending the active substances in a vehicle such as a 10-20% ethanol/water mixture, a 10-20% propylene glycol/water mixture, a naturally occurring vegetable oil such as sesame oil, groundnut oil, cottonseed oil; or a synthetic fatty binding agent such as ethyl oleate.

The following Examples illustrate the invention further.

EXAMPLE 1

The active substances can be dissolved in a pharmaceutically usable solvent such as alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerine or polyethylene glycol. Surface-active agents such as polyethylene glycol, sorbitan esters, dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate, and/or polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymers can be added for solubilization. A preserving agent can also be added to prevent microbial growth. Examples of capsule formulations which can be made up from such mixtures are:

    ______________________________________                                         (a)                  Per capsule                                               ______________________________________                                         1α,25-Dihydroxy-vitamin D.sub.3                                                               0.05-0.5 μg                                            1α,24,25-Trihydroxy-vitamin D.sub.3                                                           0.05-0.5 μg                                            Polyethylene glycol (PEG)                                                                           400.0 mg                                                  Butylated hydroxy-    0.2 mg                                                   anisole (BHA)                                                                  Ascorbyl palmitate    1.0 mg                                                   ______________________________________                                    

The active substances are added to a solution of BHA and ascorbyl palmitate in PEG and the mixture is dissolved under a nitrogen atmosphere. The liquid is filled into soft capsules.

    ______________________________________                                         (b)                  Per capsule                                               ______________________________________                                         1α,25-Dihydroxy-vitamin D.sub.3                                                               0.05-0.5 μg                                            1α,24,25-Trihydroxy-vitamin D.sub.3                                                           0.05-0.5 μg                                            PEG 400 (or PEG 6000)                                                                               200.0 mg                                                  Polyoxyethylene sorbitan                                                                            200.0 mg                                                  monoleate or monostearate                                                      (Polysorbate 80 or Poly-                                                       sorbate 60)                                                                    BHA                   0.2 mg                                                   Ascorbyl palmitate    1.0 mg                                                   ______________________________________                                    

The mixture of PEG 6000 and Polysorbate 60 is heated, then the BHA and the ascorbyl palmitate are added and finally the active substances are added under nitrogen. The mixture is filled into hard capsules.

    ______________________________________                                         (c)                  Per capsule                                               ______________________________________                                         1α,25-Dihydroxy-vitamin D.sub.3                                                               0.05-0.5 μg                                            1α-25,26-Trihydroxy-vitamin D.sub.3                                                           0.5-5 μg                                               PEG 400              100.0 mg                                                  PEG 4000             300.0 mg                                                  BHA                   0.2 mg                                                   Butylated hydroxy-    0.1 mg                                                   toluene (BHT)                                                                  Ascorbyl palmitate    1.0 mg                                                   ______________________________________                                    

The mixture of PEG 400 and PEG 4000 is heated, then the BHT, BHA and the ascorbyl palmitate are added and finally the active substances are added and dissolved under nitrogen. The mixture is filled into hard capsules.

EXAMPLE 2

0.25-2.5 μg of 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 0.25-2.5 μg of 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ are admixed per kg of feed with a basic chicken feed manufactured according to standards for the feeding of poultry. 

We claim:
 1. A pharmaceutical composition wherein a pharmaceutical carrier is combined with a mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D which mixtures are selected from the group consisting of the following mixtures: 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, 24,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and a pharmaceutical carrier material.
 2. A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D is 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 3. A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with claim 1, comprising a mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D selected from the group consisting of the following mixtures 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with claim 3, wherein the 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ is the 24R-epimer.
 5. A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with claim 3, wherein the weight ratio of 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ or 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ to 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ is about 5:1 to about 1:5.
 6. A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with claim 5, wherein the weight ratio of 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ or 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ to 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ is about 1:1.
 7. A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with claim 1, comprising about 0.05 to about 0.5 μg of each hydroxylated derivative of vitamin D per dosage unit.
 8. A feedstuff comprising a mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D which mixture is selected from the group consisting of the following mixtures: 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, 24,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 9. A feedstuff in accordance with claim 8, wherein the mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D is 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 10. A feedstuff in accordance with claim 8, comprising a mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D selected from the group consisting of the following mixtures: 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 11. A feedstuff in accordance with claim 10, wherein the 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ is the 24R-epimer.
 12. A feedstuff in accordance with claim 10, wherein the weight ratio of 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ or 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ to 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ is about 5:1 to about 1:5.
 13. A feedstuff in accordance with claim 12, wherein the weight ratio of 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ or 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ to 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ is about 1:1.
 14. A method for the treatment of disorders characterized by metabolic calcium and phosphate deficiencies which comprises administering an effective amount of a mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D selected from the group consisting of the following mixtures: 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, 24,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃, and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 15. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein the mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D is 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 16. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein the mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D is selected from the group consisting of the following mixtures 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 17. A method in accordance with claim 16, wherein the 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ is the 24R-epimer.
 18. A method in accordance with claim 16, wherein the weight ratio of 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ or 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ to 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ is about 5:1 to about 1:5.
 19. A method in accordance with claim 18, wherein the weight ratio of 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ or 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ to 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ is about 1:1.
 20. A method in accordance with claim 14, comprising administering about 0.05 to about 0.5 μg of each hydroxylated derivative of vitamin D per dosage unit.
 21. A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with claim 1, comprising a mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D selected from the group consisting of the following mixtures 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 24,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 22. A feedstuff in accordance with claim 8, comprising a mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D selected from the group consisting of the following mixtures 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 24,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃.
 23. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein the mixture of hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D is selected from the group consisting of the following mixtures 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 24,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,24,25-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 25,26-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃ ; and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25,26-trihydroxy-vitamin D₃. 